Footwear element to be mounted on an apparatus, and equipment including such footwear element and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A footwear element includes a sole assembly extending along an extension direction between opposite front and rear ends; a flexible upper includes a lower portion adjoining the sole assembly and configured to receive a shoe of a user, and an upper portion extending from the lower portion away from the sole assembly; and a fastening element configured to cooperate with a locking mechanism provided on the apparatus for reversibly retaining the footwear element on the apparatus. The fastening element is removably mounted on the footwear element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. FR 15/01288, filed Jun. 22, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a footwear element designed to be mounted on an apparatus, and to equipment that includes such a footwear element and an apparatus.

The invention is applicable to the practice of physical activities performed with the use of an apparatus, particularly in the context of a sporting activity or to facilitate one's movements. For example, the invention applies to the practice of winter sports that involve the use of apparatuses such as snowshoes, crampons, touring skis, cross country skis, downhill skis or telemark skis, but also to the practice of other sports and activities involving the use of an apparatus, such as cycling involving the use of a bicycle.

2. Background Information

To perform all of the aforementioned activities, one typically uses a footwear element of the type that includes the following:

-   -   a sole assembly extending along the extension direction, such as         longitudinally, between opposite front and rear ends;     -   a flexible upper comprising a lower portion adjoining the sole         assembly and adapted to receive a shoe of the user, and an upper         portion extending from the lower portion away from the sole         assembly; and     -   a fastening element adapted to cooperate with a locking         mechanism provided on the apparatus for reversibly retaining the         footwear element on the apparatus.

The user can thus insert his/her shoes in the footwear elements equipped with fastening elements adapted to the locking mechanisms of the apparatuses that are to be used for practicing the associated activity.

An example of footwear element of the aforementioned type is described in the document EP 1 808 088-A1 and counterpart US 2008/0010865-A1.

However, each of the known footwear elements comprises a fastening element specific to the locking mechanism of one of the apparatuses and do not offer satisfactory modularity to adapt to a set of activities involving the use of apparatuses that are provided with different respective locking mechanisms.

SUMMARY

The invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. To this end, the invention, according to a first aspect, relates to a footwear element of the aforementioned type, in which the fastening element is removably mounted on the footwear element.

The invention thus enables the user to configure the same footwear element to the locking mechanisms of a plurality of apparatuses by mounting the appropriate fastening element. The modularity of the footwear element is thereby increased.

In particular, the footwear element can be designed to be mounted on any of a plurality of apparatuses provided respectively with different locking mechanisms.

The fastening element can then be selected from a range of fastening elements comprising a plurality of different fastening elements each configured to cooperate with one of the locking mechanisms.

The sole assembly may have an outer surface configured to be oriented towards the apparatus, the sole assembly and the fastening element comprising fixing members configured to removably mount the fastening element on the outer surface of the sole assembly.

The fastening element comprises a plurality of parts that are configured such that the fastening element is removably mounted on the footwear element. The fastening element includes at least a front portion configured to be mounted in the vicinity of the front end of the sole assembly, and a fastening device configured to be reversibly retained in the locking mechanism, the fastening device being at least partially provided on the front portion of the fastening element.

The fastening device can be provided only on the front portion of the fastening element so as to allow the rear end of the sole assembly to remain free when the footwear element is mounted on the apparatus.

The fastening device and the locking mechanism can be configured to form an articulation on the front portion of the fastening element, such articulation being rotatable along a transverse axis perpendicular to the extension direction, such as longitudinally.

The front portion of the fastening element can comprise two openings extending coaxially in relation to one another perpendicular to the extension direction, the openings being configured to cooperate with two fingers of the locking mechanism that are movable between a locking position in which the fingers are brought closer to one another so as to be able to penetrate into the respective openings, and a retracted position in which the fingers are spaced apart from one another so as to enable the openings to be positioned between the fingers.

In addition or alternatively, the fastening element can have an outer surface configured to be oriented towards the apparatus, and the front portion of the fastening element can include at least one pin or rod extending perpendicular to the extension direction at a distance from the outer surface of the fastening element, the wire being configured to cooperate with two jaws of the locking mechanism that are movable between a locking position in which the jaws are brought closer to one another so as to be able to clamp the wire, and a retracted position in which the jaws are spaced apart from one another so as to enable the wire to be positioned between the jaws.

In addition or alternatively, the front portion of the fastening element can include a fastening head extending in the extension direction, the fastening head being configured to cooperate with a housing for receiving the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism further including at least one locking member movable between a locking position in which the locking member retains the fastening head in the receiving housing, and a retracted position in which the locking member allows displacement of the fastening head in relation to the receiving housing.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to equipment for enabling a user to engage in a physical activity or sport, such equipment including the following:

-   -   a footwear element as described above; and     -   at least one apparatus provided with a locking mechanism with         which the fastening element of the footwear element is         configured to cooperate for reversibly retaining the footwear         element on the apparatus.

The equipment can include the following:

-   -   a plurality of apparatuses provided respectively with different         locking mechanisms;     -   a range of fastening elements including a plurality of different         fastening elements each configured to cooperate with one of the         locking mechanisms; and     -   one of the fastening elements from the range of fastening         elements is removably mounted on the footwear element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of equipment comprising a footwear element according to a first embodiment of the invention, configured to receive a shoe, and an apparatus in the form of a snowshoe, the footwear element comprising a fastening element configured to cooperate with a locking mechanism provided on the snowshoe for reversibly retaining the footwear element on the snowshoe;

FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the footwear element of the equipment of FIG. 1, illustrating the fastening element removably mounted on a sole assembly of the footwear element;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view along the direction III-III referenced in FIG. 1 of the equipment of FIG. 1, illustrating the cooperation of the fastening element of the footwear element with the locking mechanism of the snowshoe;

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of a variation of the footwear element of the equipment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom view of a footwear element according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective bottom view of a footwear element according to a third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawing figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

The drawing figures illustrate the same footwear element 15 configured to enable a user to perform various physical activities involving the use of apparatuses 2.

Particularly but not exclusively, the footwear element 15 is suitable for physical activities performed in the context of a sporting activity or displacement with a snowshoe 3, crampons, touring skis, cross-country skis, downhill skis, telemark skis, a bicycle, or the like.

FIGS. 1 to 3 more particularly show equipment 1 configured for one to walk with snowshoes. The equipment 1 includes the following:

-   -   a footwear element 15 configured to receive a shoe 5; and     -   an apparatus 2 in the form of a snowshoe 3.

The shoe 5 includes an outer sole assembly 6 and a flexible upper 7. The shoe 5 extends lengthwise from a rear end, or heel 8, to a front end, or tip, hidden in FIG. 1 by the footwear element 15 in which it is partially engaged. In the embodiment shown, the upper 7 includes only a lower portion 10 extending from the sole assembly 6 to an upper end 11 through which the user inserts his/her foot in the shoe 5.

The footwear element 15 may in particular be configured to protect the shoe 5 and the foot of the user. It may then be made to ensure impermeability to water or snow and/or thermal insulation. It comprises an outer sole assembly 16 and a flexible upper 27.

The sole assembly 16, which can be flexible to allow bending or rolling movement of the foot, extends along an extension direction E1, from a rear end, or heel 18, to a front end, or tip 19. Rolling movement refers to longitudinal movement of the sole assembly, particularly a raising of the heel in relation to a forward portion of the sole assembly, such as a flexing in a zone corresponding to a user's metatarsophalangeal joint. The sole assembly 16 further extends widthwise, perpendicular to the extension direction, between a lateral portion 20 and medial portion 21. It has an inner surface 22 configured to be oriented towards the sole assembly 6 of the shoe 5, and an outer surface 23 opposite the inner surface 22 and configured to be oriented towards a ground surface and, as will appear from the following description, towards the snowshoe 3 or, more generally, the apparatus 2 on which the footwear element 15 is configured to be mounted.

The upper 27 includes a lower portion 28 adjoining the sole assembly 16 and provided to surround the shoe 5 of the user. The upper 27 also includes an upper portion 29 extending the lower portion 28 away from the sole assembly 16, the upper portion 29 being provided to cover at least the ankle, or the ankle and a portion of the lower leg, of the user. The lower 28 and upper 29 portions of the upper 27 can form a continuous envelope provided with a shoe insertion opening 31 to facilitate passage of the shoe 5 when it is inserted into or removed from the footwear element 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe insertion opening 31, without being limited thereto, extends laterally from the lower portion 28 to a free edge 30 of the upper portion 29. A closure system, for example in the form of a slide fastener 32, borders the shoe insertion opening 31 to enable reversible closure thereof. One or more tightening members can also be provided on the upper 27 to improve retention of the shoe 5 within the footwear element 15.

As shown in FIG. 2, the footwear element 15, in order to be reversibly retained on the apparatus 2 and, in particular, on the snowshoe 3, includes a fastening element 35 configured to cooperate with a locking mechanism 70 provided on the snowshoe 3.

The fastening element 35 comprises a front portion 36 including a body 37 shaped to cover a portion of the outer surface 23 of the sole assembly 16 of the footwear element 15 in the vicinity of the tip 19. In particular, the body 37 of the front portion 36 has an inner surface 38 configured, as will be apparent in the following description, to be oriented towards and brought into contact with the outer surface 23 of the sole assembly 16 of the footwear element 15, and an outer surface 39, opposite the inner surface 38, configured to be oriented towards the ground surface and the snowshoe 3. The body 37 of the front portion 36 also has a peripheral edge 40 with a contour corresponding to a contour of a peripheral edge of the tip 19 of the sole assembly 16 of the footwear element 15. A peripheral skirt 41 extends from the peripheral edge 40 of the body 37 of the front portion 36, perpendicular thereto, to cover portions of lateral surfaces of the sole assembly 16 and of the lower portion 28 of the upper 27 in the vicinity of the tip 19.

The fastening element 35 also comprises a rear portion 46 including a body 47 shaped to cover a portion of the outer surface 23 of the sole assembly 16 of the footwear element 15 in the vicinity of the heel 18. In the same manner as for the front portion 36, the body 47 of the rear portion 46 has an inner surface configured, as will be apparent from the following description, to be oriented towards and brought into contact with the outer surface 23 of the sole assembly 16 of the footwear element 15, and an outer surface 49, opposite the inner surface, configured to be oriented towards the ground surface and the snowshoe 3. The body 47 of the rear portion 46 also has a peripheral edge 50 with a contour corresponding to a contour of a peripheral edge of the heel 18 of the sole assembly 16 of the footwear element 15. A peripheral skirt 51 extends from the peripheral edge 50 of the body 47 of the rear portion 46, perpendicular thereto, to cover portions of lateral surfaces of the sole assembly 16 and of the lower portion 28 of the upper 27 in the vicinity of the heel 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front 36 and rear 46 portions of the fastening element 35 are spaced apart from one another and have respective rear 42 and front 52 transverse edges at a distance from and opposite one another. Alternatively, the front 36 and rear 46 portions of the fastening element 35 can be connected to one another by an intermediate portion, such as a deformable portion, such as an elastically deformable portion, so as to allow bending of the foot. According to another variant, the fastening element 35 can be devoid of a rear portion 46.

On the outer surface 39 of the front portion 36, in the vicinity of the rear transverse edge 42, the fastening element 35 comprises a fastening device 55 configured to be reversibly retained in the locking mechanism 70 of the snowshoe 3. In particular, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fastening device 55 includes a crosspiece 56 extending along a transverse axis T perpendicular to the extension direction E1, at a distance from the outer surface 39 of the front portion 36 while being connected to the latter by a spacer 57. The crosspiece 56 has two opposite ends 58 provided with two respective openings 59 extending coaxially in relation to one another along the transverse axis T. In particular, the ends 58 are widened, having a circular cross section of greater diameter than that of a circular cross section of the remainder of the crosspiece 56. Alternatively, as will appear from the following description, any other arrangement of two coaxial openings 59 along a transverse axis T could be provided.

The fastening element 35, on its front 36 and rear 46 portions, also comprises spikes 60 projecting in the area of the peripheral edges 40, 50 of the front 36 and rear 46 portions. Alternatively, any other arrangement of the spikes 60 to promote adhesion of the footwear element 15 could be provided on the fastening element 35. Depending on uses, the fastening element 35 could also be devoid of spikes 60.

According to particular arrangements of the invention, the fastening element 35 is removably mounted on the footwear element 15. The sole assembly 16 of the footwear element 15 and the fastening element 35 comprise fixing members 65 configured to removably mount the fastening element 35 on the outer surface 23 of the sole assembly 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing members 65 comprise through-holes 66 arranged in the body 37, 47 of the front 36 and rear 46 portions of the fastening element 35, and holes each provided with an internal thread arranged in the sole assembly 16. Screws 67 (see FIG. 2) configured to cooperate with the internal thread of the holes of the sole assembly 16 can be inserted through the through-holes 66 of the fastening element 35 prior to being screwed into the sole assembly 16. Alternatively, the fastening element 35 can be reversibly mounted by any other appropriate means, in especially by nesting, snap-fastening, or other means.

FIG. 3, in cross section, illustrates the locking mechanism 70 of the walking snowshoe 3 in which the fastening device 55 of the fastening element 35 is retained. The locking mechanism 70 comprises a base 71 provided with two projections 72 extending transversely in relation to an extension direction E2 of the snowshoe 3, opposite one another. The projections 72 internally have coaxial bores 73 having a circular cross section. Each bore 73 has an access opening 74 facing the access opening of the other bore 73, and a bottom 75, opposite the access opening 74, provided with a passage opening 76.

The locking mechanism 70 also includes fingers 77 mounted for translational movement in respective ones of the bores 73. Each finger 77 has, between first 77 a and second 77 b opposite ends, a length that is greater than a length of the bores 73. Each finger 77 comprises a guide portion 78 in the vicinity of the second end 77 b, such guide portion 78 having a circular cross section with a diameter similar to that of the bore 73 to guide the translational displacement of the finger 77 in the bore 73. Each finger 77 also comprises an actuating portion 79 in the vicinity of the first end 77 a, such an actuating portion 79 having a circular cross section with a diameter less than that of the guide portion 78. The finger 77 is positioned in the bore 73 with the first end 77 a projecting from the bottom 75 of the bore 73 through the passage opening 76, and the second end 77 b projecting from the access opening 74 of the bore 73. The first end 77 a is affixed to an actuating lever 80 operable by a user to move the finger 77 toward the bottom 75 of the bore 73. An elastic return member, in the form of a helical spring 81 wound around the actuating portion 79, is interposed between a seat formed at the bottom 75 of the bore 73 and a seat formed at the junction of the actuating portion 79 with the guide portion 78. A shoulder 82 is further provided in the vicinity of the second end 77 b for limiting the displacement of the finger 77 towards the bottom 75 of the bore 73.

The fingers 77 can then have a locking position shown in FIG. 3 and towards which they are biased by return forces exerted by the elastic return members 81. In the locking position, the fingers 77 are brought closer to one another so that a spacing between the opposite second ends 77 b is less than a length of the crosspiece 56, measured between its ends 58, of the fastening device 55 of the fastening element 35. The second ends 77 b can then penetrate into the openings 59 and thus retain the fastening element 35 on the locking mechanism 70 and the footwear element 15 on the walking snowshoe 3.

The fingers 77 are movable against return forces of the elastic return members 81 towards a retracted position via actuating levers 80. By pulling or pivoting the actuating levers 80 in an away direction in relation to the projections 72, the fingers 77 are moved towards the bottoms 75 of their respective bores 73 until the shoulders 82 abut against the projections 72. In this retracted position, the second ends 77 b of the fingers 77 are spaced apart from one another with a spacing greater than the length of the crosspiece 56 of the fastening device 55 of the fastening element 35. The fastening element 35 can be moved in relation to the locking mechanism 70 to remove the footwear element 15 from the snowshoe 3 or to position the footwear element 15 on the snowshoe 3.

As is apparent from the preceding description, the projections 72 of the locking mechanism 70 and the fingers 77 of the fastening device 55 are configured to form an articulation on the front portion 36 of the fastening element 35, such articulation rotating along the transverse axis T. The absence of affixation between the rear portion 46 of the fastening element 35 and the locking mechanism 70 further makes it possible to allow the heel 18 of the sole assembly 16 to remain free when the footwear element 15 is mounted on the snowshoe 3. These arrangements enable the user to recover natural sensations of walking.

As indicated above, the footwear element 15 is configured to enable the user to practice various physical activities or sports involving the use of various apparatuses 2 whose locking mechanisms differ from one another. A range of fastening elements comprising a plurality of different fastening elements each configured to cooperate with one of the locking mechanisms can then be provided. Given the removability property of the fastening element 35 on the footwear element 15, it is possible to configure the footwear element 15 to each of the apparatuses 2 by selecting the fastening element corresponding to the lock mechanism.

In this regard, FIG. 4 shows a fastening element 85 that is a variant described above. This variant is configured to cooperate with a locking mechanism 70 similar to that previously described. It differs mainly from the previously described fastening element 35 in that:

-   -   the fastening element 85 is devoid of spikes 60;     -   the rear portion 46 of the fastening element 85 is nested on the         heel 18 of the sole assembly 16 of the footwear element 15; and     -   the openings 89 for receiving the fingers 77 of the locking         mechanism 70 are arranged in an excess thickness of the skirt 41         of the front portion 86 of the fastening element 85.

The other characteristics of the fastening element 85 and of the footwear element 15 remain unchanged and are not described again. Reference is made to the description thereof that has already been made for more details.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the footwear element 15 equipped with a front portion 96 of a fastening element 95 especially configured for the practice of cross-country skiing. This front portion 96 can be mounted on the previously described footwear element 15, replacing the front portions 36 described above.

The front portion 96 according to the second embodiment comprises a rod or pin 97 extending along the transverse axis T at a distance from the outer surface 39 of the fastening element 95. In particular, the front portion 96 of the fastening element 95 comprises two projections 98 extending from the body 37 of the front portion 96 away from the outer surface 39, and in which opposite ends of the pin 97 are retained. Conventionally, the pin 97 is configured to cooperate with a locking mechanism that includes two jaws. The jaws have a locking position in which they are brought closer to one another so as to be able to clamp the pin 97 and thus retain the front portion 96 of the fastening element 95 while allowing the heel 18 of the footwear element 15 to remain free. One or both jaws are reversibly movable towards a retracted position in which they are spaced apart from one another so as to enable the pin 97 to be positioned between the jaws or to be removed therefrom. A locking mechanism configured to cooperate with the fastening element 95, with pin 97, can be any of various locking mechanisms known to those skilled in the art of such locking mechanisms, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,710, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety. Alternatively, a plurality of pins could be provided to cooperate with one or more pairs of jaws of a locking mechanism that is known to those skilled in the art. For example, a pair of pins can be used together with an adapted locking mechanism, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,050, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.

The other characteristics of the fastening element 95 and of the fastening element 15 remain unchanged and are not described again. Reference is made to the description thereof that has already been made for more details.

In a third embodiment of the footwear element 15 shown in FIG. 6, a front portion 106 of a fastening element 105 is configured in particular for cycling. The front portion 106 of the fastening element 105, for the purpose of cycling, then comprises a fastening head 107 configured to cooperate with an automatic bicycle pedal locking mechanism. The fastening head 107 extends along the extension direction E1 towards the tip 19 of the footwear element 15, from a stop 108 arranged in the vicinity of the rear edge 42 of the front portion 106. The fastening head 107 comprises an end portion extending parallel to the outer surface 39 of the body 37 of the front portion 106, and which has two lateral notches 109 oppositely extending transversely. The fastening head 107 is configured to cooperate with a housing for receiving the locking mechanism in which it can be received. The locking mechanism then further comprises one or more locking members arranged, for example, in the receiving housing, and movable between a locking position in which they retain the fastening head 107 in the receiving housing, and a retracted position in which they allow displacement of the fastening head 107 in relation to the receiving housing. A locking mechanism configured to cooperate with the fastening element 105 can be any of various locking mechanisms known to those skilled in the art, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,158, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety. Also within the scope of the invention is the fastening element 105 being more particularly configured according to the details of the shoe-mounted fastening element, or cleat, of U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,158, together with the associated pedal locking mechanism disclosed therein. Alternatively, a similar fastening head 107 can be used to mount the footwear element 15 on an apparatus other than a bicycle, the locking member being capable of being located outside of the receiving housing receiving the fastening head 107.

The other characteristics of the fastening element 105 and of the footwear element 15 remain unchanged and are not described again. Reference is made to the description thereof that has already been made for more details.

The invention has been described with various embodiments and details in which the fastening device is provided only on the front portion of the fastening element so as to allow the heel of the sole assembly to remain free when the footwear element is mounted on the apparatus.

In other embodiments, the fastening device can be provided partially on the front portion and partially on the rear portion of the fastening element. The locking mechanism is then configured to reversibly retain the portion of the fastening device that is located on the rear portion of the fastening element. In particular, the locking mechanism makes it possible to free the portion of the fastening device located on the rear portion of the fastening element, independently of the portion of the fastening device located on the front portion of the fastening element so as to allow the heel of the footwear element to remain free when it is mounted on the apparatus and to enable the user to return to a normal walking situation.

Further, at least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments, such as for simplicity or efficiency, for example, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein. 

1. A footwear element to be mounted on at least one apparatus to enable a user to perform a physical activity, the footwear element comprising: a sole assembly extending lengthwise along an extension direction between a front end and a rear end; a flexible upper comprising: a lower portion adjoining the sole assembly and having an inner volume sized and configured to receive a shoe of the user; and an upper portion extending from the lower portion away from the sole assembly; and a fastening element configured to cooperate with a locking mechanism provided on the apparatus for reversibly retaining the footwear element on the apparatus; the fastening element comprising a plurality of parts configured to enable the fastening element to be removably mounted on the footwear element.
 2. Footwear element according to claim 1, wherein: the footwear element is configured to be mounted on a plurality of apparatuses respectively provided with different locking mechanisms; the fastening element comprises an element selected from the group consisting of a plurality of different fastening elements each configured to cooperate with one of the locking mechanisms.
 3. Footwear element according to claim 1, wherein: the sole assembly comprises an outer surface configured to be oriented towards the apparatus; and the sole assembly and the fastening element comprise fixing members configured for removably mounting the fastening element on the outer surface of the sole assembly.
 4. Footwear element according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening element comprises: at least a front portion configured to be mounted in a vicinity of the front end of the sole assembly; and a fastening device configured to be reversibly retained in the locking mechanism, the fastening device being at least partially provided on the front portion of the fastening element.
 5. Footwear element according to claim 4, wherein: the fastening device is provided only on the front portion of the fastening element so as to allow the rear end of the sole assembly to remain free for movement when the footwear element is mounted on the apparatus.
 6. Footwear element according to claim 4, wherein: the fastening device and the locking mechanism is configured to form, with the locking mechanism, an articulation on the front portion of the fastening element, such articulation being rotatable about a transverse axis perpendicular to the extension direction.
 7. Footwear element according to claim 4, wherein: the front portion of the fastening element comprises two openings extending coaxially in relation to one another perpendicular to the extension direction, the openings being configured to cooperate with two fingers of the locking mechanism that are movable between a locking position in which said fingers are brought closer to one another so as to be able to penetrate into the respective openings, and a retracted position in which said fingers are spaced apart from one another so as to enable the openings to be positioned between said fingers.
 8. Footwear element according to claim 4, wherein: the fastening element has an outer surface configured to be oriented towards the apparatus; and the front portion of the fastening element comprises at least one pin extending perpendicular to the extension direction at a distance from the outer surface of the fastening element, the pin being configured to cooperate with two jaws of the locking mechanism that are movable between a locking position in which said jaws are brought closer to one another so as to be able to clamp the pin, and a retracted position in which said jaws are spaced apart from one another so as to allow the pin to be positioned between said jaws.
 9. Footwear element according to claim 4, wherein: the front portion of the fastening element comprises a fastening head extending along the extension direction; and the fastening head is configured to cooperate with a housing for receiving the locking mechanism; and the locking mechanism further comprises at least one locking member movable between a locking position in which said locking member retains the fastening head in the receiving housing, and a retracted position in which said locking member allows displacement of the fastening head in relation to the receiving housing.
 10. Equipment to enable a user to perform a physical activity, such equipment comprising: a footwear element according to claim 1; and at least one apparatus provided with a locking mechanism with which the fastening element of the footwear element is configured to cooperate for reversibly retaining the footwear element on the apparatus.
 11. Equipment according to claim 10, comprising: a plurality of apparatuses provided respectively with different locking mechanisms; and a plurality of fastening elements comprising a plurality of different fastening elements each configured to cooperate with one of the locking mechanisms; and one of the fastening elements from the plurality of fastening elements is removably mounted on the footwear element. 